
Which Minerals Are Common?
Even though there are thousands of different minerals, there are a few that are very common and we can pay particular attention to just a few:
Silicates
Quartz Often light colored and found in all types of rocks.
Feldspar Also very common and found in many different kinds of rocks. (Image is of microcline, a specific type of feldspar.)
Mica Flaky mineral often present as black flecks in granite. (Image is of biotite, a specific type of mica.)
Amphibole A dark colored mineral found in a variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks. (Image is of hornblende, a specific type of amphibole.)
Pyroxene A dark colored mineral often found in igneous rocks such as basalt. (Image is of diopside, a specific type of pyroxene.)
Clays These are also called phyllosilicates and are formed when a rock is weathered. (Image is of talc, a specific type of clay-forming mineral.)
Carbonates
Calcite Limestones (sedimentary rocks) are formed from calcite.
Sulfates
Gypsum Gypsum is often found in desert playas and dry lakes
Oxides
Hematite Hematite is also known as rust and its reddish color can be seen in many rocks
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